5 Vaping Myths Busted

In this article we take a look at some of the most common vaping myths and how they came to be.

Myth one – E Cigarettes Are Not Helpful Tools for Quitting Smoking

E cigarettes were created for smokers as a less harmful alternative and a means to quit. Since their arrival on the mainstream market, e cigarettes have found themselves under scrutiny from various organisations, health professionals and even the general public. With many believing e cigarettes will not help smokers quit or that there is little point making the transition from tobacco cigarettes to e cigarettes because both are harmful. The truth is, e cigarettes have been proven to be almost twice effective at helping smokers to quit than other forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Myth Two – E Cigarettes are Just as or More Harmful than Smoking

Research into the effects of e cigarettes is still new and ongoing, having said that the research to date does indicate that they are far less harmful than traditional tobacco cigarettes. While organisations such as Cancer research UK the NHS and public health England do not recommend those who have never smoked to use them, these organisations, among others have a shared agreement that e cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking. Many Doctors and health professionals suggest e cigarettes to their patients who wish to stop smoking as an effective method of NRT.

Myth Three – Vaping is a Form of Smoking and should be Treated as Such

Vaping and smoking are two completely different processes. Tobacco cigarettes rely on combustion to produce smoke for the user to inhale, this combustion process, along with the harmful components of tobacco is what makes cigarettes so harmful to the smoker and those around them. E cigarettes rely on a completely different process and do not contain tobacco. E cigarettes use e liquid which is heated by a coil inside the vaping device and transformed into vapour. This vapour is then inhaled and exhaled similar to a cigarette.

We know that smoking tobacco cigarettes is not just harmful to the smoker but to those around them too. Second hand smoke is just as toxic as the smoke directly inhaled from the cigarette which is why we are strongly advised not to smoke around others, especially children and pets. In contrast, the evidence into second hand vapour would show otherwise; there is no evidence thus far to suggest that second hand vaping is harmful. However, we still aren’t sure of the long-term effects, and while there are no apparent risks, it is still better to err on the side of caution and be considerate when vaping around others, especially those who are vulnerable.

Myth Four – E Cigarettes are a Gateway to Tobacco Smoking

E cigarettes are very different to tobacco cigarettes. Firstly the sensation is different; while it mimics the process of cigarette smoking it is not the same. Secondly, e liquids which are used in the e cigarette come in an abundance of flavours which are said to be far more pleasant than the tarry taste of tobacco smoke.

There is insufficient evidence to suggest that e cigarettes are a gateway device to smoking. A study performed by the UK Centre for Tobacco and Alcohol Studies found that young people who do decide to experiment with e cigarettes mostly do not go on to use them regularly. The findings were that out of the 5.5% of young people (aged 11 to 18) who have never smoked but have tried e cigarettes only 0.8% are current vapers and only 0.1% vape more than once a week.

Research into those who take up e cigarettes on the regular are predominantly ex smokers. Those who do take up e cigarettes and have never smoked are not likely to continue using them regularly.

Myth Five – Vaping Causes ‘Popcorn Lung’

Popcorn lung is the name for a rare lung condition properly named bronchiolitis obliterans. The Condition got its nickname when a group of popcorn factory workers were exposed to a massive amount of the flavor compound diacetyl. This same flavor compound was used in e liquids to give them that buttery, popcorn flavor and thus lead to concerns that vaping could cause popcorn lung. However, there is no evidence to support this theory. Despite that, diacetyl has now been banned in all UK e liquids.

Making the Switch – A Beginners Guide to Vaping Part One

Are you thinking about making the switch from smoking to vaping? In this article series we give you the information you need to make the transition as smooth as possible. In part one, we look at a common question among those who are looking at vaping as a possible alternative to smoking – is vaping actually safer than smoking?

Is Vaping Safer Than Smoking?

We all know cigarettes are extremely harmful to health. In fact, smoking is the biggest preventable cause of cancer and choosing not to smoke can dramatically lower your risk of over fifteen types of cancer. But is vaping any safer? Well, several health authorities including cancer research UK and the NHS agree that vaping is certainly a less harmful alternative to smoking. The NHS has deemed e cigarettes and vape pens ‘far less harmful than cigarettes’ and an ‘effective way to stop smoking for good’.

E cigarettes do not contain tobacco or other toxicants that are present in cigarettes such as tar and carbon monoxide. It is understood that e cigarettes, like most pleasures in life are not completely risk free. However, the risk to our health compared to cigarettes is a mere fraction. It is also worth noting that the e cigarettes sold here in the UK are under strict regulations and must adhere to high standards of quality and safety.

Other Common Questions

Does Vaping Cause Popcorn Lung?

Popcorn lung is another term for bronchiolitis obliterans which is a type of lung disease. It has now become a widespread concern that vaping may cause popcorn lung however there is in fact, no good evidence to suggest a link between vaping and the disease. There are also no confirmed cases todate of popcorn lung in people who use e cigarettes.

Where did the Term Popcorn Lung Come From?

The term popcorn lung, used to refer to the lung disease bronchiolitis obliterans originated in a popcorn factory. The workers inside the factory were found to have the disease where it was linked to breathing in the chemical diacetyl. Concerns of popcorn lung in vapers came about when some e liquids were also found to have the same chemical. However, diacetyl is banned in the use of e liquids and e cigarettes within the UK.

Is Second Hand vapour Harmful?

We know that smoking tobacco is not only harmful to the smoker but to those they smoke around too. As for e cigarettes, research into whether or not passive vapour inhalation causes harm is still very much ongoing. However, the research out there at the moment does not suggest second hand vapour is particularly harmful. For example, this 2013 study found that e cigarettes are a source of second-hand exposure to nicotine but not to combustion toxicants. Thus, the study concluded that more research is needed to evaluate health consequences of second-hand nicotine exposure, particularly amongst vulnerable groups such as children or pregnant women. Having said that, the NHS has stated that if you are pregnant and are finding it difficult to give up smoking, using an e cigarette is a far safer alternative for the mother and baby.

Overall, it appears that it is always best to be polite and considerate when vaping, particularly around children, the elderly and those with health conditions.

Making The Switch – A Beginners Guide to Vaping Part Two – Vaping Devices

Making The Switch – A Beginners Guide to Vaping Part Two – Vaping Devices

In part two of our beginners guide series, we explore the components that make up a standard vaping device and the various vaping devices available.

The Anatomy of a Vaping Device

Before you start shopping for your first vaping device, you’ll first want to know what goes into making one. As you delve further into the world of vaping, you will start to see terms like ‘coil’, ‘tank’, and ‘atomiser’ pop up more and more. While these terms may sound technical they are simply just common parts used in the makeup of your typical vaping device. The reason these parts are so often discussed by experienced vapers is that they each play a unique part in your overall vaping experience. As you become a more experienced vaper yourself, you will develop your own preferences such as the temperature of your vapour, the cloud production of your vaping device and the flavour and nicotine strength of your e liquid.

Vaping Device Components

Most vaping devices are comprised of:

Battery
Atomiser
Coil
Mouthpiece
Tank

More advanced devices will include more components.

Battery

Every vaping device requires a power source. The battery supplies power to the devices heating element so that e liquid can be heated up quickly and transformed into vapour.

Atomiser

The atomiser is the part of a vaping device which transforms the e liquid into vapour.

Coil

The coil is the heating element inside the atomiser. Coils come in a variety of materials and many experienced vapers enjoy making their own.

Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece is the section of the vaping device that comes into contact with the users lips. In cheaper and disposable vape pens, inhaling through the mouthpiece usually activates the vapour. More advanced vaping devices require the press of a button to generate vapour.

Tank

The tank is the section of the vaping device which houses the e liquid. Refillable tanks allow users to change their e liquid flavours as often as they like. Non –refillable or disposable tanks are usually referred to as cartridges and are found in cheaper vaping devices.

Types of Vaping Devices

Vape Pens

Vape pens are uncomplicated and easy to use. They typically have a slim, pen-like shape and can easily fit in a pocket or a handbag. In its most basic form a vape pen will have a rechargeable battery, a refillable tank and a button to activate vapour production.

Vape pens are ideal for beginners and those who are using vaping as a way to cut down on or stop smoking.

Vape Pods/Pod Vapes

Pod vapes offer more power than a vape pen and are often slimmer and smaller. Pod vapes can be found in two types: open pod and closed pod system. Open pod systems come with a replaceable/removable, tank which can be filled with the user’s choice of e liquid whereas closed pod systems come with a prefilled, replaceable tank.

Like vape pens, pod vapes are suited to beginners and those who want a simple, convenient device that can be easily transported.

Many vape pods also use sub ohm technology unlike vape pens. This allows users to produce larger clouds of vapour and intensify the flavour of their e liquid. Many people also agree that pod vapes are more satisfying than vape pens when it comes to using high-strength e liquids or nic salts.

Box Mods

Box mod vapes are advanced vaping devices with a box like shape, hence the name ‘box mod’. They are larger than your typical vape pen or vape pod which allows more room for advanced features such as adjustable wattage, temperature control , adjustable airflow and tank customization.

Sub Ohm Vapes

Sub ohm vaping is a style of vaping in which the vaper uses a higher resistance coil (less than 1 ohm) to produce a denser, warmer and more flavourful vapour. It is a very popular style of vaping and many ex smokers like to sub ohm vape as it better mimics the sensation of cigarette smoking. Sub ohming also offers a more intense nicotine hit with a smoother throat sensation – an excellent option for heavy ex smokers where standard e cigarettes don’t satisfy their cravings.

Squonk Mods

Squonk mods use a bottom feeding atomiser and a ‘squonk bottle’ instead of a tank. The squonk bottle houses the e liquid and is squeezed as and when needed to saturate the wick inside the bottom fed atomiser. The advantages of using a squonk mod to vape is that squonk mods typically hold more e liquid than standard e cigarettes or other types of mods. Squonking also offers a denser flavour and vapour production.

Cig-a-likes

One of the less popular vaping devices on the market are cigalikes. A cigalike is a vaping device designed to mimic the look and feel of a tobacco cigarette. Cigalikes have no buttons and activate through inhalation. Rechargeable cigalikes are available but many cigalikes are single use and disposable.